MAKE RUNAWAYS SAFE CAMPAIGN

That this House commends The Children's Society on the launch of their Make Runaways Safe campaign which seeks to protect every child who runs away; notes that over 100,000 children run away each year with many being forced to leave home whilst others are fleeing conflict, neglect or abuseand that over two-thirds of these are not reported missing to the police; is concerned at the serious risks these children face, exposed to violence, criminality, substance misuse and sexual exploitation on the streets; regrets that currently most children who run away do not get the help they need; calls on local authorities and agencies to make sure that these children are identified and receive advice, guidance, help and support they need to stay safe; and urges the Government to provide a national safety net for young runaways to protect them from harm.